Heirloom

Magic Fountains Sky Blue White Bee

Delphinium elatum

Photo: Konrad Sobolak · Wikimedia Commons · (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Harvest

105-125d

Days to harvest

📅

Sun

Full sun

☀️

Zones

3–7

USDA hardiness

🗺️

Height

3-5 feet

📏

Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Start Indoors

Transplant

Direct Sow

Showing dates for Magic Fountains Sky Blue White Bee in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 flower →

Zone Map

Click a state to update dates

Magic Fountains Sky Blue White Bee · Zones 3–7

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing18-24 inches

SoilWell-drained soil, slightly alkaline to neutral pH preferred

WaterRegular, consistent moisture; moderate watering

SeasonPerennial

ColorPale blue with white centers

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 1	May – June	July – August	July – September	—
Zone 2	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 11	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 12	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 13	January – January	January – February	January – March	—
Zone 3	April – May	June – July	June – August	—
Zone 4	March – April	June – June	June – July	—
Zone 5	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 6	March – April	May – June	May – July	—
Zone 7	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 8	February – March	April – May	April – June	—
Zone 9	January – February	March – April	March – May	—
Zone 10	January – January	February – March	February – April	—

Complete Growing Guide

Pale blue blooms with white centers (bees). Dwarf Pacific type with full florets and tight internodes. Magic Fountains' sturdy, compact plants will tolerate windy locations. Attracts bees and butterflies. This species of delphinium is also known as candle larkspur. Perennial in Zones 3-7. According to Johnny's Selected Seeds, Magic Fountains Sky Blue White Bee is 105 - 125 days to maturity, perennial, open pollinated. Notable features: Use for Cut Flowers and Bouquets, Attracts Beneficial Insects.

Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day). Soil: High Organic Matter. Soil pH: Alkaline (>8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet, 3 feet-6 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed. Regions: Mountains, Piedmont.

Harvesting

Magic Fountains Sky Blue White Bee reaches harvest at 105 - 125 days from sowing per Johnny's Selected Seeds.

Edibility: Toxic if eaten.

Storage & Preservation

Magic Fountains Sky Blue White Bee delphiniums are ornamental cut flowers best stored in cool conditions. Immediately place freshly cut stems in clean water with flower food in a cool room (65-72°F) away from direct sun and ripening fruit. Change water every 2-3 days and recut stems at an angle. Vase life typically lasts 7-14 days. For preservation: (1) Air dry by hanging bundles upside down in a dark, well-ventilated space for 2-3 weeks to create dried arrangements; (2) Press individual florets between parchment paper under heavy weight for 1-2 weeks for crafts; (3) Freeze blooms in ice blocks by submerging in water and freezing for winter decoration or pressing later.

History & Origin

Magic Fountains Sky Blue White Bee is open-pollinated, meaning seed saved from healthy plants will produce true-to-type offspring. Listed in the Johnny's Selected Seeds catalog.

Origin: Europe to Mongolia

Advantages

+Pale blue flowers with white centers create stunning garden color contrast
+Compact dwarf size makes it ideal for small spaces and containers
+Sturdy plants withstand windy locations without requiring staking or support
+Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden
+Early blooming at 105-125 days provides quick seasonal gratification

Considerations

-Perennial only in limited zones 3-7, not cold-hardy elsewhere
-Requires consistent moisture and well-draining soil to prevent root rot
-Susceptible to powdery mildew in humid climates without good air circulation

Companion Plants

Marigolds (especially Tagetes patula) and Sweet Alyssum earn their keep by drawing in parasitic wasps and hoverflies that cut down aphid pressure on delphinium's tender new growth. Catmint and Lavender are good neighbors for a different reason — similar drainage requirements, shallow roots, and neither crowds out the delphinium's base. Fennel is allelopathic to a wide range of plants and has no business in a mixed bed; Black Walnut releases juglone from its roots, and delphiniums are sensitive enough that even moderate exposure can cause dieback — keep both well away.

Plant Together

Marigolds

Repel aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes while attracting beneficial predatory insects

Sweet Alyssum

Attracts beneficial insects like lacewings and provides ground cover to retain soil moisture

Nasturtiums

Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles while deterring squash bugs

Cosmos

Attract pollinators and beneficial insects, complement delphinium's height structure

Lavender

Repels pests like moths and flies while attracting bees and creating aromatic garden borders

Catmint

Deters ants, aphids, and rodents while providing long-blooming companion flowers

Yarrow

Attracts beneficial predatory insects and improves soil health through deep root system

White Clover

Fixes nitrogen in soil and provides living mulch while attracting pollinators

Keep Apart

Black Walnut Trees

Produce juglone toxin that inhibits growth and can kill sensitive plants like delphiniums

Fennel

Releases allelopathic compounds that inhibit germination and growth of nearby flowers

Sunflowers

Compete aggressively for nutrients and water, may stunt growth of nearby plants through allelopathy

Pests & Disease Resistance

Common Pests

Slugs, snails, spider mites, aphids

Diseases

Powdery mildew, root rot, leaf spot

Troubleshooting Magic Fountains Sky Blue White Bee

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

Irregular holes chewed in leaves and flower buds overnight, especially on young growth close to the soil

Likely Causes

Slugs or snails — most active in cool, wet weather and at night
Crowded, shaded planting that stays damp at the base

What to Do

1.Set out iron phosphate bait (Sluggo) around the base of plants at dusk; reapply after rain
2.Pull mulch back 3-4 inches from the crown so the soil surface dries out between waterings
3.Go out with a flashlight an hour after dark, hand-pick, and drop into soapy water

White or gray powdery coating on the upper surface of leaves, usually appearing mid-summer

Likely Causes

Powdery mildew (Erysiphe aquilegiae or a close relative) — thrives in warm days, cool nights, and poor airflow
Plants spaced tighter than 18 inches, limiting air circulation

What to Do

1.Spray affected foliage with a diluted potassium bicarbonate solution (follow label rates) early in the morning so leaves dry quickly
2.Cut the entire plant back hard to 6 inches after the first bloom flush — new basal growth usually comes in clean
3.Next season, plant at the full 24-inch end of the recommended spacing and switch to drip or soaker hose irrigation

Plant wilts during the day despite moist soil; crown and lower stem are brown or mushy at the soil line

Likely Causes

Root rot caused by Phytophthora or Pythium species — almost always triggered by waterlogged soil
Siting in a low spot where water pools after rain

What to Do

1.Dig the plant and check the roots; if more than half are brown and slimy, discard it entirely — do not compost it
2.Before replanting, work coarse perlite or grit into the bed at a ratio of roughly 1 part amendment to 3 parts native soil
3.Water at the base only, and let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry between waterings once plants are established

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Magic Fountains Sky Blue White delphiniums bloom?▼

Magic Fountains delphiniums typically bloom for 4-6 weeks during their flowering season in mid to late summer. The exact duration depends on temperature, deadheading, and growing conditions. In cooler climates within Zones 3-7, blooms may last longer. Regular deadheading of spent flowers can encourage a second flush of blooms later in the season.

Can you grow Magic Fountains delphiniums in containers?▼

Yes, Magic Fountains are dwarf Pacific types well-suited to containers due to their compact, sturdy growth habit. Use large pots (at least 12 inches deep) with well-draining potting soil and ensure they receive 6+ hours of full sun daily. Container-grown plants need regular watering as soil dries faster than in-ground beds. Their wind tolerance makes them excellent for balconies and patios.

When should I plant Magic Fountains delphinium seeds?▼

Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last frost date in spring, or start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date. Delphinium seeds prefer cool temperatures (65-70°F) for germination and benefit from light exposure. In Zones 3-7, spring planting allows plants to establish before summer blooming. Seeds typically germinate in 10-14 days.

Are Magic Fountains delphiniums good for beginners?▼

Yes, Magic Fountains are considered easy to grow and beginner-friendly. They're hardy perennials in Zones 3-7 with sturdy, compact plants that tolerate windy locations and don't require intensive care. Their full florets and attractive pale blue with white centers make them reliable performers for cut flowers and garden displays without advanced gardening skills needed.

What attracts bees and butterflies to Magic Fountains delphiniums?▼

Magic Fountains' pale blue blooms with white centers are naturally attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. The abundant full florets provide plentiful nectar and pollen sources. These delphiniums are sometimes called candle larkspur because of their tall spire-like flower structure, which creates an ideal landing platform for flying insects.

How far apart should I space Magic Fountains delphinium plants?▼

Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow adequate air circulation, which reduces disease risk and supports the sturdy, compact growth habit. Dwarf Pacific types like Magic Fountains are more compact than tall varieties, so closer spacing is acceptable while still maintaining healthy plants.